se on
the ro'd, and the cutest. What do you think he did yesterday? Now I
don't know as you'll believe me when I tell you, but it's a fact. I was
in at the store down at the Corners, havin' some truck with Si Turner,
and there come along a boy as wasn't any more honest than he had to be,
and he thought 'twould be smart to reach in over the wheel and help
himself to candy out of the drawers. Well, mebbe 'twas smart; but hossy
was smarter, for he reached round his head and c'ot him by the seat of
his pants--Jerusalem! if you'll excuse the expression, Miss Hands, how
that feller did holler! Me and Si come hikin' out, thought he was killed
and got the hives besides; when we see what was up, we sot down and
laughed till, honest, we had to lean against one another or we'd rolled
over an' over on the ground. Hossy held on like a good 'un till I told
him to let go, and then he dropped the pants and went to work eatin'
grass as if nothin' had been goin' on at all."

"Did you ever?" cried Mary Sands. "I never knew a hoss could have that
much sense, Mr. Parks. Why, 'twas like a person more than a dumb
critter."

"There's critters and critters!" said Calvin Parks. "Hossy's a prize
package, that's a fact. Want a bite, hossy? tain't dinner time yet, but
a bite won't hurt you."

He took a nose-bag from the wagon and hung it over the brown horse's
head. The horse, who had gone to sleep as soon as he stopped, opened one
eye, blinked at his master, and shut it again.

"Oh, all right!" said Calvin. "Any time; suit yourself! Only I can't wag
your jaws for ye, ye know."

Mary had turned to enter the house, saying something about telling
Cousin he was coming.

"Oh! wait just a minute, Miss Hands!" Calvin called. "I took the
liberty--" he rummaged among his drawers, and finally brought out a
small parcel.

"I dono--most prob'ly it ain't just what you'd like. I couldn't tell
what flavor you'd prefer, and I always think myself that pep'mint is the
wholesomest--"

Amazed and embarrassed at finding himself embarrassed, Calvin paused
awkwardly, holding the box of peppermints in his hand; but when he saw
Mary Sands blushing in the delightful red and brown way she had, and
caught the twinkle in her eye, he was suddenly at ease again.

"You try 'em!" he said simply, and gave her the box.

"Why, Mr. Parks!" cried Mary. "You don't mean to say you brought these
for me? Well, you are more than kind, I must say. Why, they're
deleecious! Ther